Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC
Construction Lawyers: Litigation

Construction Lawyers: Litigation

With lawsuits involving residential, commercial, and industrial projects all on the rise, clients can count on Scarinci Hollenbeck to skillfully protect their best interests.

The attorneys of our Construction Litigation Practice Group have broad experience in representing contractors, architects, engineers, suppliers, owners, and developers engaged in complex disputes. 

Overview

Construction Lawyers with Broad Industry Experience

Scarinci Hollenbeck’s extensive construction industry experience, particularly in the New Jersey and metropolitan New York City area, allows us to provide effective representation throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project. Our team has been involved in some of the largest development projects in New York City and New Jersey. We understand how to navigate the complex framework of common law rights and federal, state, and local statutory regimes and provide innovative solutions that drive projects across the finish line.  Our construction lawyers also have the benefit of relying on their peers in related practice areas, such as Commercial Real Estate, Financing, Environmental, and Land Use, which gives our clients a tremendous advantage. 

Experienced Construction Attorneys Can Protect Your Project from Disputes

Disputes may arise at any point during a construction project, which can result in delays, increased costs, and potential litigation. Often, the most efficient way to resolve construction disputes is to take measures to avoid them in the first place. 

Contract disputes between owners and contractors may be avoided with diligent construction contract negotiation and review. Common sources of contention include provisions governing the timing of payments, delay claims, insurance claims, home improvement regulations, mediation or arbitration requirements, and procedures for contract default and termination. Similarly, subcontractor disputes may be avoided with diligent subcontract negotiation, taking into account key issues such as change orders, timing of payments, labor law regulations, substantial completion, and completion, and the resolution and/or discharge of mechanic’s liens. 

Scarinci Hollenbeck’s dedicated construction attorneys work with clients across the construction industry to protect their interests and reduce the risk of disputes. We routinely advise clients regarding:

  • Adaptation of standard contract forms (American Institute of Architects, Associated General Contractors, Engineers Joint Contracts, and Federal Construction Contracts) to specific client requirements
  • Bid document preparation and evaluation
  • Contract negotiation, for both owners, contractors, and subcontractors
  • LEED certification
  • Mediation and arbitration
  • Negotiation of home improvement contracts
  • Project abandonment or termination during a project
  • Project administration
  • RPAPL 881 and license agreements 

A Skilled Construction Litigation Attorney Will Protect Your Rights

Given the complexities of the construction industry, a lawsuit may be necessary to enforce your rights. Our construction litigation team has the experience, acumen, and resources to obtain successful results in a wide range of matters, including:

  • Arbitration and mediation
  • Bid protests
  • Breach of contract
  • Construction and design defect claims
  • Delay and acceleration claims
  • Different site conditions claims
  • Environmental claims
  • Indemnification claims
  • Insurance coverage claims
  • Judgement Enforcement
  • Labor disputes
  • Mechanic’s liens 
  • Payment and performance bonds
  • Wage and hour claims
  • Warranty claims

Our construction litigation attorneys advocate for clients in federal and state courts, tribunals before administrative agencies, and arbitrations. We serve individuals, businesses, developers, lenders, and insurers on all sides of construction disputes, keeping a watchful eye on not only the goals of each client but also the resources available to achieve them. 

 

FAQ about Construction Lawyers: Litigation

A construction litigation lawyer represents clients involved in legal disputes related to construction projects. This includes breach of contract, construction defects, payment issues, delays, lien claims, and disputes with subcontractors, developers, architects, or suppliers. At Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, we provide both dispute resolution and courtroom representation tailored to the construction industry.

It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as a potential dispute arises—whether it’s a delay in payment, a contract disagreement, or a quality concern. Early legal intervention can help preserve evidence, reduce liability, and often resolve issues before they escalate to litigation.

Common construction disputes that may lead to litigation include:

  • Breach of contract
  • Construction defects
  • Non-payment or underpayment
  • Change order disputes
  • Delays and disruption claims
  • Termination issues
  • Bond and lien claims

Our attorneys handle litigation for public, private, and government-funded projects of all sizes.

Yes. Many construction disputes are resolved through mediation, arbitration, or negotiated settlements. Our lawyers often pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to help clients avoid the time and expense of litigation. However, we are fully prepared to represent your interests in court if necessary.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the dispute, the jurisdiction, and whether the case proceeds through ADR or trial. Some matters resolve in months; others, particularly those involving expert testimony or multi-party claims, may take a year or more. We provide realistic timelines at the outset and update you throughout the process.

We represent a wide range of clients, including:

  • General contractors
  • Subcontractors
  • Developers and property owners
  • Construction managers
  • Design professionals (architects, engineers)
  • Material suppliers

Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to address the unique legal needs of each party involved in a construction project.

The construction contract is the foundation of any claim or defense. Courts and arbitrators closely examine contract terms—including scope of work, timelines, payment schedules, and dispute resolution clauses—to determine liability. Our attorneys both litigate contract breaches and help draft strong contracts to prevent future disputes.

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim filed by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who haven’t been paid for work or materials. Filing or challenging a lien often leads to litigation. We help clients file, enforce, or defend against lien claims to protect their financial interests.

Proving a defect typically requires expert testimony, documentation, and analysis of construction standards, plans, and materials. Our firm works with trusted industry experts to build strong cases involving structural issues, design flaws, material failures, and code violations.

Our construction litigation attorneys combine deep legal knowledge with practical understanding of how construction projects operate. We know the language, the contracts, and the pressures you face on-site. Whether you’re a contractor facing a wrongful termination claim or a developer seeking to recover damages for delays, we deliver results-oriented representation grounded in experience and industry insight.

OUR commitment to excellence, combined with our mission to deliver outstanding client service, has earned our firm a solid reputation.

Scarinci Hollenbeck is a business law firm based in New Jersey, New York servicing clients worldwide.

If you have a legal need that is not mentioned, please contact us to discuss how we may help you.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

Attorneys background

Practice Area Attorneys

Why Choose Us?

At Scarinci Hollenbeck, our construction lawyers have in-depth knowledge and experience in construction law, which allows us to provide tailored legal solutions that address the unique challenges of commercial construction disputes. Our collaborative approach also allows us to pool the resources, skills, and knowledge of attorneys from across the firm to achieve the best possible outcome for every client.

Finally, our entire team is committed to delivering effective legal services at a reasonable cost. Because construction litigation is often burdensome for everyone involved, negotiating an early resolution can save both time and money. However, when an acceptable settlement can’t be reached, we do not hesitate to aggressively try cases in court.

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